The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Alhassan, popularly known as Mama Taraba, has debunked the rumour making the round in the social and traditional media that she had tendered her resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that Mama Taraba was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2015 governorship election in the state but lost to incumbent Governor Darius Ishaku.

The minister who made the disclosure in an interview with DAILY NIGERIAN, stated that the purported letter, dated July 27, 2018, was only notifying the president of her intention to contest again in the Taraba state governorship election in 2019.

She, however, disclosed that she would be resigning by December, in cognizance of the constitution which stipulates that an aspirant holding a public office must resign at least 30 days ahead of elections.

The minister, therefore, dismissed any allegation of falling out with the president, saying: ‘I’m still Buhari’s minister’.

DAILY NIGERIAN’s checks revealed that President Buhari’s response to Mama Taraba’s letter does not in any way signify acceptance of resignation from her. It, rather, said: “I have today received your letter notifying me of your intention to contest for the governorship of Taraba State in the 2019 election.

“Let me thank you on behalf of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians for your services as minister under this administration. I note with passion your past contribution to our great party APC during and after the 2015 elections.

“As you are aware I am totally committed to free and fair elections. Our policy is to support all APC candidates. I wish you well in your ambition to be governor of your state. Rest assured that all security agencies as well as INEC will have my full support to conduct free, fair and transparent elections in 2019.”